David D. Cooke Social Impact Award
2026 Honoree:
Michael G. Pappas, M.Div.
Executive Director,
San Francisco Interfaith Council
The Award's Namesake: David D. Cooke
This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding work and unwavering dedication in the fight against homelessness. Honorees' exceptional contributions embody ECS' core mission and values and inspire others to join the cause to end homelessness in our community.
Remembering David D. Cooke
David D. Cooke was a devoted father, husband, and distinguished lawyer specializing in environmental law. To ECS, he was a mentor, a friend, and an unwavering advocate of our mission to eradicate homelessness in the Bay Area.
Under his stewardship, ECS achieved countless milestones - from developing our first Permanent Supportive Housing site at Canon Kip to our largest at 1064 Mission Street. He was a driving force behind the $2.4M capital campaign that built the CHEFS program's state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. After retiring from the Board in 2019, he continued service as Secretary of the Housing Board. Twenty-five years of service. A lifetime of dedication, and a legacy that will endure.
"Without David, ECS would not be the bulwark against the inhumanity and indignity of poverty and homelessness that it is today. David was a man of great passion, and believed deeply in a world where nobody must experience the indignity of homelessness."
-Beth Stokes
This award carries forward his name and his unwavering belief in the power of community.
Our 2026 Honoree
It is with great pride that we honor Michael G. Pappas as the 2026 recipient of the David D. Cooke Social Impact Award.
For decades, Michael has been a bridge builder, a voice for the voiceless, and a relentless advocate for those experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. As Executive Director of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, he has united diverse faith communities to work together toward a common goal: ensuring every neighbor has a place to call home.
His leadership reminds us that the fight against homelessness is not just about housing - it is about the heart. It is about showing up, again and again, with compassion and conviction.
Michael's work embodies the very qualities this award was created to celebrate: care, dedication, and action. We are honored to celebrate him at this year's CHEFS Gala.
Join Us in Honoring Michael
An Evening of Impact and Community
Michael will be recognized at the 2026 ECS CHEFS Gala. We invite you to join us for an evening of purpose, community, and celebration as we honor his contributions and raise funds for the life-changing work of ECS.